A Straight Shooter's Boring Life and Times . . .

Summer 10

2010-09-02T11:18:00.000-07:00

Here's how it played out...
It all started with a puppy - the cutest puppy ever... that didn't let me sleep for 3 weeks!

so... she went to stay with Grandma who of course fell in love with her just like I did. Who knows if I will ever get my puppy back. Pippi Longstocking (that's her name) went to June Lake with the family in July.

Then there were Dodger games... and a Barenaked night at the Greek (barenaked ladies that is).

A super fun week on the Delta with my dream girls - "Peanut Boater Jelly Time!

Then John Mayer at the Bowl

What a fun summer... exhausting... but fun.

new pictures of my place

2010-03-08T15:16:00.001-08:00

I've been promising new pictures of my house for quite a while - so here they are...

A new point of view...

2010-03-08T14:28:00.000-08:00

Again... sorry for the silence. I think I was waiting for inspirational greatness and ended up settling for nothing else to do on a day stuck at home sick. It's been a roller coaster ride of a year and I'm still growing and learning with each new day. New city, new church, new home, new friends, new places to discover, and most important a new perspective on life.

In Donald Miller's new book, "A Million Miles in a Thousand Years", he describes our life as a story, making us the characters in the story. Characters who need an inciting incident in order to truly jump into the exciting story God wants us in.

"Humans naturally seek comfort and stability. Without an inciting incident that disrupts their comfort, they won't enter into the story. They have to get fired from their job or be forced to sign up for a marathon. A ring has to be purchased. A home has to be sold. The character has to jump into the story, into the discomfort and the fear, otherwise the story will never happen."

I believe that's where I was - comfortable but not really a character in a good story. God pushed me into His story big time! It was painful and uncomfortable (it still is sometimes) but so worth it in so many ways.

Psalm 40:1-3 "I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God."

Thank you to all of my dear friends who supported me and loved me through the past year and a half of craziness. I hope I have the opportunity to show you the same love and support throughout your story.

Finally a new post!

2009-06-10T11:43:00.000-07:00

Sorry it's been a crazy few months! I had my head (literally and figuratively) stuck in a book (I'm on my second trip through the Twilight series - almost finished again!). I know I'm a little obsessed. : )
I found a place to live - finally - it took everything I had to find the perfect place. Here are some pics...

front of my place
front house

my street - Ave. C

the yard outside my house

living room

What a beautiful waste of time!

2009-04-24T12:25:00.000-07:00

I spent the past few days engrossed in Twilight! What a great and strange book - I will start the second one today.
So much fun to spend an entire day in a book. An indulgence that I never allow myself. I am having so much fun! : )

I got a job! and a new bag!

2009-04-09T11:56:00.000-07:00

God is good ... all the time! He not only provides but redeems! I found a job - Rolling Hills Covenant Church. I will be working with High School students (a whole lot of them). I don't start until June so I have some time to rest, prep, and move up to LA to start a new adventure. Thank you all for your prayers and support! I am so thankful to be on the other side!

I got a new bag to celebrate . . . ain't she pretty?

She came with a yellow squirt gun - I love Harveys!

Got him!

2009-02-24T23:23:00.000-08:00

Ding Dong . . . the big fat rat is dead!

Hallelujah I can sleep again

I broke the silence . . .

2009-02-17T10:17:00.000-08:00

Life has been crazy the past two months to say the least. I no longer work at South Shores Church - I was laid off last month (most of you know that). I feel like I've been on a roller coaster of emotions from hurt and disappointment in leaving my friends, church family, and most of the all the amazing students I worked with, to relief from stress involving the possible lay off and no longer feeling trapped. Freedom has new meaning to me (every girls retreat theme has been a bit prophetic in my life). So I'm searching for a new job - which is no easy task in this economy. I've resigned myself to finding employment out of church ministry for a while, at least until the economy bounces back a bit. I refuse to take a sub par ministry job just to stay in ministry. God can use me wherever I end up.

On another front - I have a rat reeking havoc in my life. We've trapped him in the walls of my house, however, he keeps finding his way into my space. This is a problem on many levels. One - he keeps pooping on all my blankets (this grosses me out more than you know). Two - he's chewed holes in a cashmere sweater, a silk sweater, and several pairs of my underwear. Three - I can't sleep knowing he's on the loose. I go to extreme measures to make sure he can't get into my room. We've set traps everywhere and he doesn't touch them. I hate being outsmarted by a rat, especially one with expensive taste. Ughhhhhh

Advantages to Stormy weather

2008-12-27T11:45:00.000-08:00

We don't get much stormy weather in Southern California so when it happens we get stupidly excited. Christmas night I was driving home late from the movies with Di & Matt and it was 36 degrees outside - we were excited. Cold but excited.

Then yesterday was one of the prettiest days I've ever seen (at my parents house). They live so close to the mountains but can rarely see them as clear as yesterday.

I started to compare the stormy weather with my own life. It reminded me that when God allows stormy weather in our lives - it's dark for a while but it always gives way to a clearer view of all the beautiful things He's blessed us with. I'm looking forward to the view on the other side.

follow-up comments on last post

2008-12-09T22:32:00.000-08:00

No that wasn't a typo on my last post (Mark). I was referring to my 24th birthday ten years ago. Sorry I wasn't very clear - my thoughts were still in process. Thanks to those who understood my insanity (Dawnielle) love you!

Another year older and none the wiser

2008-12-04T10:38:00.000-08:00

My 24th birthday changed the way I look at birthdays all together. I get nastalgic and sentimental about all I've learned (or in this case unlearned) and how I've grown in the last year. It's made it hard to celebrate - especially when the year has been as hard as this one. However, God is teaching me even in the hard things to be content no matter the circumstances. But the testing of that lesson is taking it's toll.

My friends kids

2008-11-13T23:35:00.001-08:00

I had such a great weekend with Amy and Bruce, Haylee, Alyssa, Drew and Amy's family. It's so great being a part of someone's life for so long that you get to watch their kids and family grow and change as well. I want to have kids of my own so desperately - but God's timing is perfect and so I wait. But what a joy it has been to be

part of my friends kids lives - especially Haylee - your beautiful grown-up face brings me so much joy! Thanks Amy.

Idaho

2008-11-06T23:24:00.000-08:00

I'm off to Idaho tomorrow to see Amy and the fam. It's been a pretty terrible week and I am desperate for a break - some place where I don't have to think about my life and what's going to happen next. Keep me in your prayers. I'll be back Monday.

Facebook killed the blogger in me

2008-10-29T23:46:00.000-07:00

I've spent so much time on facebook lately I don't have the will to blog. I also have nothing interesting to say. . .

Kate cut my hair again today - it's even shorter. There's no stopping me now. Mark ran over my "forever in blue jeans" seatbelt bag - sad - poor little Jeanie - she's been at the Harvey's repair shop for 3 weeks - I get her back Friday. I'm going to Idaho a week from Friday to see Amy and the family - I'm excited for that. Things at Church are really bothering me - don't want to talk about it. That's all I got!

Round 2

2008-10-13T10:28:00.000-07:00

I'm going back for round 2 tonight at Dodger stadium.

Go Dodgers!

Dodgers win! Dodgers win! Dodgers win!

2008-09-25T16:44:00.000-07:00

The Dodgers won the west today and they haven't even played yet!

Oh Happy Day!

Giving in to the darkside

2008-09-20T13:43:00.000-07:00

Until now I've refused to be part of the my space/facebook world for so many reasons. However, I gave in because I've got so many students and friends that I just can't keep up with anymore. Disclaimer- I have no idea what I'm doing so if I fail to respond to your comments it's because I simply don't know how. I'll catch on eventually I'm sure. So for those of you who are on facebook you can friend me but I'm not even sure what that means. (more thoughts on that later).

I just can't help myself

2008-09-11T15:11:00.000-07:00

I took this picture a few weeks ago out my windshield - I know it's hard to tell from the picture but this couple was in their 80's at least. They had a full head of wild grey hair and lots o' wrinkles. What was so fascinating about them was that their bodies looked young - obviously - they were riding bikes and not on a trail - but out there in traffic. It was such a bazaar picture and it made me think - that's what my friends Derick and Rebecca are going to be like when they get old. (heeheehee - it's a compliment I swear).

Tuesday night at the Dodgers/Padres game at Petco - Tanya spotted this man a few rows ahead of us who was Garth from Wayne's World from the back - same hair - also the same hair as Will Farrell in Blades of Glory. Funny stuff I tell ya. Add to that - the man sitting one seat over from me was eating peanuts - but what was odd was that instead of peanut shells on the ground there were peanuts - was he eating the shells and tossing the peanuts? I couldn't figure it out and I could not stop giggling at him. I'm terrible I know - but people are so funny sometimes.

Most Embarrassing Moment #oh I've lost count

2008-09-01T18:53:00.000-07:00

As a freshman at Biola, in a student orientation group, we were asked to share our most embarrassing moment. Most people had trouble recalling an embarrassing moment. This was troubling to me because I had trouble deciding which of the thousands of moments was least incriminating. Sad . . . I know and at the time I saw this as an insecurity and I have since embraced the ridiculousness and have learned to laugh at myself. It's just part of who I am and the journey to becoming all God wants me to be.

Well I added yet another moment to my collection on Friday. I was driving to Yucaipa to camp with my family for a few days when I had to pee, so I stopped at the Coffeebean in Redlands that I love. I went to the bathroom and then decided to get an iced tea because it was 104 outside. As I stood in line to order a woman I had just passed in the hallway approached me. The look on her face spoke a thousand words and I began to panic. She whispered, "excuse me miss, but your skirt is tucked in your panties". OH MY GOODNESS, CAN I DIE NOW! You see somehow I had wondered out of the bathroom and down a hallway into the coffeebean and stood in line amongst several people, with my skirt tucked in my panties. Now we're not talking just the hem here - those people got a full shot of my pretty pink flowered undies. I told the woman, "You are my favorite person in the whole world" and I bolted out of there as quickly as possible. It's okay to laugh, like I said, I've learned to laugh at myself.

Happy Birthday Julia

2008-08-20T20:56:00.000-07:00

Yesterday my wonderfully weird and equally beautiful niece Julia turned 9.

Happy Birthday Juju bean - you're crazy but also sweet and helpful and I adore you. I hope you had a super day - I love you and I'll see you on Saturday for your big partayyyyy!

Hawaii and I fried my iphone

2008-08-16T13:25:00.000-07:00

My vacation in Hawaii was great - lots of lazy afternoons by the ocean and beautiful sunsets like this one. However it turned out to be a very quiet vacation because I fried my iphone the first day. sad. Note to iphone owners you can't charge an iphone on and ihome made for a nano. I know sounds obvious but not to me. It fried the hard drive and another note for iphone owners - there isn't an apple store on Maui. So I had to wait until I came home to get a refurb replacement - but I'm back now with an almost new "old" iphone. It turns out buying that apple care plan two days before I felt was a really good investment (thanks JG!). I'm back at work and what a crazy week it has been - I had to speak 4 times and with the olympics in high gear and baseball season at it's peak - I didn't get much sleep.

I heart peaches & John Mayer

2008-07-28T11:41:00.000-07:00

My dear friend Jen (peaches) and I saw John Mayer last night and it may have been the best live music I've ever heard. He has an amazing voice and rocks the guitar. He came out shirtless for an oncore and did Van Halen's Panama - I honestly think his guitar rifs were better than Eddie's - it was amazing and who doesn't like hair metal. It was so much fun to see Jen and catch up on life - Thanks and I love you Peaches!

June Lake with the Fam

2008-07-28T11:32:00.000-07:00

I spent last week with my family in June Lake - we had a great time - fishing, playing games, going to the spa, hanging out on a pontoon boat, relaxing, and enjoying each other.
These are my crazy nieces - I just adore them! They are so silly - look what they did to poor Gidget - heeheehee.

Dodger Dogs and Fireworks!

2008-07-18T15:46:00.000-07:00

It's been a sleepy week - not much to talk about.
Last weekend I went to the Dodger game with Dale, Julia, and Kallista and we had a great time. Even though they lost in extra innings - it's hard to find fault with Dodger dogs and a fireworks show set to 80's music. Thanks Dale and girls for a fun night.

This week I am headed to June Lake with the fam for a week of relaxing and fishing and being with those I love most!

Well it's been 10 years and a thousand tears . . .

2008-07-06T08:47:00.000-07:00

So much has happened in the past few weeks - sorry for not posting. Well I'm in my new house and it's feeling more and more like home everyday. Unfortunately the screens on my windows don't exactly fit - there are 3/4 inch gap at the bottom - just enough room for June bugs to get in. If you know me - I HATE JUNE BUGS! I think I hate them more than bees but I'm not afraid of them. My senior girls graduated from Dana Hills (15 years to the day from my graduation from high school - freaky). I went to Jr. High camp about 3 days after I moved in - it was a great week. It was hard to be at Pondo as a youth leader and not staff - but I love that place and seeing my friends. I woke up the last day of camp with the flu and it was knarly! The flu led to an infection in my throat that made it almost swell shut - very scary - made me question the whole living alone thing. I've almost completely recovered from all of it and ready to enjoy summer living at the beach. Please come see me and my new house - it's lonely living without Tanya. This is quite possibly the most hideous light fixure I've ever seen

- and it's in my bedroom : )

Hannah Marie

2008-06-15T08:15:00.000-07:00

Friday was my niece Hannah's 11th birthday! It hardly seems possible that 11 years went by that fast. She's going to be in middle school next year - crazy! I love you Hannah - Happy Birthday.

Tom and Tanya's Big Day!

2008-06-04T17:05:00.000-07:00

This last weekend was Tom and Tanya's wedding! Thanks Kristy for this trip down memory lane - I'm sure Tanya will love it. It was a beautiful wedding and so much fun to catch up with old friends. It was my last (mark my words) wedding as a bridesmaid! I was saving my 15th wedding for Tanya and now I am done. It has been an honor to be a bridesmaid in each and every wedding . . . but I am done - it's my turn now. (mark those words as well).

I found a place to live!!!

2008-05-22T14:40:00.000-07:00

I got to see my friend Aaron on Saturday (and his adorable girls) and he told me that he and his wife Rachel had been praying for a house and that God would bless them beyond their imagination - of course He did! It was great to see him and hear about God working in his life. As I left I began to pray the same prayer and I felt a bit lame having not prayed that all along. Well - Tuesday night I was feeling just about as low as I could (sorry Mark - he had to endure my wows). Wednesday morning I got a phone call from our landlord's wife - she wanted to know if I had found a place yet and I told her I hadn't. She said they have another duplex rental in north beach that is coming up vacant in a few weeks and she offered it to me. It's cheaper than I was going to pay, it has a garage, washer/dryer and get this - it's half a block from the stairs to the beach. Oh my goodness - God is so good and has blessed me beyond my imagination. I haven't seen the inside - but our landlord promised to make it as nice as our place was when we moved in so I'm not worried. Yea! Thanks for your prayers. Mine is the back half of the duplex.

Stress

2008-05-12T16:21:00.000-07:00

It's been a busy week and a half. Last week was crazy at work then Kristy, Gigi, and I threw Tanya a bridal shower on Saturday, then I put on a mothers day brunch at church on Sunday and throw in Mothers Day. Crazy. My body has been paying the price today - my stomach is all messed up. I suppose I'm internalizing the stress in my life and friendships and I should talk to someone about that but who has time. And life goes on.

Homeless in 45 days

2008-04-30T09:54:00.000-07:00

Today begins the 45 day countdown to moving out and I don't even have a lead on where I'm going to live. I can't find someone to live with (or that I could live with) and I'm having a hard time finding a one bedroom that I can afford. I had a bit of a freak out yesterday - I think I was having a panic attack - not sure because I've never had one but I could not get my heart to beat at a normal rhythm all day. I hate moving and I hate being part of the black hole (ask me later).

New York

2008-04-21T09:12:00.000-07:00

I know I've been home from New York for over a week and I'm just now posting. Sorry. It was such an amazing trip. We ate at some fabulous places, met some cool people, visited the Brooklyn Tabernacle and shopped the Buffalo Exchange, shopped in Soho & Greenwich village, visited Washington Square Park and NYU (saw Felicity's stomping ground) ate authentic Italian food in Little Italy, walked through Central Park, ate at Justin Timerlake's restaurant on the Upper Eastside, bought cheap knockoffs on Canal st., bought expensive jewelry at Tiffanys on Fifth Ave., got on the Today Show (Matt got kissed by Merideth Vieras), ate lunch in grand central station, went to the Bronx and watched the Yankees win in the final season at the house that Ruth built, saw Wicked at the Gershwin, spent too much at the Ed Hardy store (well Jenn did anyway), went to Ground Zero - cried at the museum, went to Battery Park saw the statue of Liberty, saw the Empire State building and bought souvenirs in the giant Macy's, rode the subway uptown and downtown a bunch of times, rode in a taxi (tried to find the CashCab but no luck), drank frozen hot chocolate at Serendipity just like John Cusack and Kate Beckensale, ate fabulous New York Pizza at Patsy's, had our flight cancelled and had to switch to United and make a 6am flight home. Honestly - what didn't we do. We had so much fun laughing, singing, dancing, talking and just being together. Memories to last a lifetime. Thanks girls for letting me tag along.

Yankees win! Yankees win! Yankees win!

2008-04-08T17:42:00.000-07:00

Few words can express my joy - truly amazing experience!

NYC in 38 hours

2008-04-03T18:25:00.000-07:00

We leave for NYC in a New York minute - heeheehee - or 38 hours - my girls did the math - I'm glad they are excited - it's going to be a really great trip. I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed at the moment - lots to do before saturday morning. If you've been to New York recently or ever and you have a favorite place or something I have to do - I would love the input. I will be checking this all week so anytime. Thanks!

Bitter Sweet Opening Day

2008-03-31T14:02:00.000-07:00

Today is the 50th anniversary season opening day for the Dodgers and I'm not there. SAD. VERY SAD. Dale couldn't go and I really didn't want to go without him. So I'm leaving work in a few minutes to go home and watch the game (I tivoed it). This is one of my favorite days of the whole year - I love baseball season and watching the Dodgers although after a retched spring training I'm not too optimistic. But miracles can happen - go Doyers! (that was for you Rynk).

PS - 5 days to NYC

God's Holiness

2008-03-27T18:12:00.000-07:00

I know it's short notice and most of you will read this after the fact but if you think about it, pray for me tonight. I am speaking at our high school/college/young adult service on God's Holiness. It's actually been fun putting it together but I always get a bit nervous to speak at Core. The lights are in my eyes and I hate wireless mikes so using a handheld limits my expression. Anyway - thanks for the prayers I will let you know how it goes.
PS 9 days to NYC.

I heart New York

2008-03-18T17:25:00.000-07:00

As some of you know I am taking my senior girls to New York over spring break to celebrate the 4 years we've spent together. Matt and Amy are coming too. We are super excited and counting down the days - 18 more to go. I am most excited about the Yankees game we're going to - I love baseball and what a priviledge to see a game at the stadium Ruth built in it's final season. (They are building a new stadium for the 2009 season).
Yipppeee! Happy Day!

Glam Rock On!

2008-03-03T14:21:00.001-08:00

This weekend was High School winter retreat - which means I got to hang out at Pondo with my friends again. It was a really good weekend for our students. The highlight was a fun dress up night (which we usually do at winter retreat for fun). Matt and I decided to do an 80's glam theme - which our kids know nothing about - they weren't even born yet. But they did research and it was so much fun. The only sad part was that Matt had to take a kid to the hospital and missed the whole thing - but we took pictures : ) My girls spent the afternoon doing each other's hair and make-up (which was unifying for the group). They kept coming to me and asking if their hair was big enough (heeheehee - gotta love the 80's). Jordi and I went as Axl Rose and Slash from Guns and Roses. She looked amazing! So much fun! Sorry Matt - can't wait until the reunion party to see Bret Michaels.

Tanya's engaged!!!! Finally

2008-02-25T15:47:00.000-08:00

Tom proposed to Tanya on Saturday night - he drug his feet a bit over the past month but he came through with an absolutely beautiful ring (aparently that was the reason for the feet dragging). Good job Tom on the ring and congrats. I approve of the ring and you. (as if you needed that).

Plan Progress and random thoughts . . .

2008-02-22T12:53:00.000-08:00

I hit the 10 pound mark this morning - it's coming off slow but at least it's coming off.

Random thought: Any Trader Joe's shoppers out there? Are you one of the freaky environmentalist TJ shoppers that brings their own cloth bags? Well I made an observation this week while shopping there. In the parking lot I watched two different people - with cloth bags I might add - that plopped their shopping carts on an island instead of walking the extra 2o feet or so to put them in their place. They care about the environment but lack common courtesy? Then once inside - I observed several people pass up a slow older woman who obviously needed help reaching the salad dressing. One man shoved my cart aside so he could get the very yogurt that I was picking up - rude. This is puzzling to me - but then again it was the Trader Joe's at Ocean Ranch so I shouldn't be too shocked. Doesn't say much for place I choose to live.

I sound like a man!

2008-02-17T15:36:00.000-08:00

Just about every year after jr. high camp I loose my voice. Usually it comes back in a few days. However, this year my case of laryngitis has hung on a bit longer. It's been a week since camp and my voice still sounds like a man. yuck! Speaking multiple times this week and leading games on wednesday probably wasn't the smartest idea. : (

my day at the park

2008-02-12T16:26:00.000-08:00

I decided I needed a day alone with God after a tiring and draining weekend at camp. So I walked to Pines Park which is about a mile from my house and spent the afternoon reading my Bible, talking to God, listening to God, watching squirels play, and enjoying the amazing place in which I live. There's just something about seeing, hearing, smelling the ocean that is nessessary and healing. I began to think about how blessed I've been to live where I live for the past 2 years - where I am in walking distance from the ocean and how much I take that for granted. I know I won't live on Gomez forever in fact my time there is drawing to a close and that thought made my day at the park priceless. I watched a little boy and his father play in the waves - as each set came in the boy would run from the crashing waves but the father never let go of his son's hand. At one point, he had a hold of both hands and swung his little boy around and around just like I remember doing as a kid. It struck me how that picture related to my life and my fear of what's to come in the next year. I was blown away by this simple illustration of a child's need to hold on to the father's hand. Trusting God is so hard for me and that lesson was much needed. Thanks God for the lesson and for hanging out with me.

Jr. Highers and their moms

2008-02-12T16:10:00.000-08:00

Mark took his group to Pondo this weekend also and it was really fun to hang out at camp again with Mark. As most of you know, my friend Mark and I met at jr. high summer camp (we were counselors) 15 years ago. So our friendship began as camp friends. We used to have a saying (and he won't remember this because like my brother - he remembers nothing) - we like jr. highers but not their moms. Too many close encounters with strange, overprotective, bazaar moms. But this weekend I have to say that a couple of jr. high moms came to my rescue. Never in all the years of doing ministry have I had so many logistical problems with transportation. First of all - transporting 28 people without church vans is difficult and add too it my fear of driving a 15 passenger van down the mountain (because of a windy drive from hell last year). But it's not just 28 people - it's all their winter "gear" nessessary and unnessessary. If it wasn't for those moms we would not have made it there or back - so thanks! (not that any of them read this). It was a good weekend but I missed Aaron and Brady terribly.

I got to snowboard on saturday with one of my jr. high girls - Carly (she's the one squinting in the picture). I had so much fun - she ripped it up - she's a good little snowboarder.

Sushi @ Mikan and JH camp this weekend!

2008-02-07T13:15:00.000-08:00

I had sushi @ Mikan with the OPT (friends from my program team @ Pondo) on Monday night and it was sooooooo good. I really miss them and the dynamite roll. (we missed you Aaron). It was a beautiful day like I have never seen (especially through redlands). This weekend I'm headed to Pondo for JH camp - which should be fun (pray I don't rip all my hair out). I can't wait to be "home" and see some friends.

I'm lost

2008-01-31T17:28:00.000-08:00

Last night Tanya and I watched the enhanced season finale of Lost from last spring and it was just as confusing as when I watched it in June. I'm actually LOST! I don't get the looking glass/rabbit's hole analogy or whatever - but I can't stop watching - curses on those writers. So the season priemere is on tonight and thank God Tom will be there to decifer the nonsense because for some crazy reason he gets this stuff. Thanks Tom!

I'm sore

2008-01-31T17:23:00.000-08:00

Steven Shaw is the devil! (okay of course not really). Our workout with Steven on Tuesday has left Tanya and I completely wrecked. Stairs are my new enemy. The past few weeks have been frustrating - I am working out so hard and making so many sacrafices (have I mentioned I hate getting up early) and I've lost a pound and a half. I better be gaining some serious muscle! So I'm only at 7.5 pounds but my clothes fit better.

A life lost and gained

2008-01-17T18:40:00.000-08:00

I've been riding a roller coaster of emotions this week. Yesterday I went to a funeral for a student I had at Temple City. It was super sad to say goodbye to a great 22 year-old kid who just couldn't stay clean. It never gets any easier as a youth pastor to loose kids. It made me feel helpless - like no matter what I do for them - it's not enough. It was nice however, to hear all the good things about Michael - the fun memories his friends and family have of him. It was also so great to see my old jr. high students grown up and for lack of a better word ALIVE!

Today - Mark and Anne had their 3rd baby! So I went from a death to birth in 24 hours - crazy. Her name is Maddy Jo and she's beautiful. Congrats Mark and Anne on yet another beautiful little girl (they have 3).
It's definately a choice everyday to say blessed be His name - even in the face of tragedy.

Moments of Joy, Silliness & Sentiment

2008-01-15T15:57:00.000-08:00

Moments of Silliness and Sentiment . . .

I helped my friend Brady pack up his house yesterday . . . he's moving to Florida - which makes me sad - I hate losing friends to proximity. However, I am excited for him to start fresh in a new place and watch God use him in big ways. Sean and Slugger (Brady's nephews) and Daniel helped too. I came to this realization - when you're the only girl in group of silly boys it can be a bit frightening. I felt like I had been dropped on the island of The Lord of the Flies. I had a good time - mostly watching them be silly. They had fun scaring me out of my skin (thanks Tarko) and tricking me into saying things I didn't mean. I admired the ring on Brady's finger and he took it off and gave it too me (which by the way says so much about him). However, it's a wooden ring and it now has a crack in it. I'm wondering if the crack was there before or if it misses Brady and doesn't like taking up residence on my finger. hmmmmm . . .

Moments of Joy . . .

I weighed in this morning and I'm down 6 pounds in the first week (could have something to do with not eating dinner last night) but regardless my body likes the plan!

Back on "The Plan"

2008-01-10T14:19:00.000-08:00

My back has been doing so well that I decided it was time to get back on "the plan" at the 1st of the year. However, last week was a bust and so Monday, January 7th (also my mom's b-day) was my first day. If you don't know what "the plan" is - it's a fitness plan that includes super healthy eating (very low calorie intake) and working out 5 days a week. I did it 2 years ago and lost 35 pounds and recked my back - not this time. I'm a bit ashamed to say that I gained back almost 25 of those pounds (mostly because of back) but again - not this time. This time I've talked Tanya into jumping on board so we can support one another and my friend Steven is training us on Tuesdays. I have high hopes - so feel free to encourage me!

My neverending list

2008-01-06T13:08:00.000-08:00

I am definitely a particular person - I know what I like - but I am also adventurous and like to try new things (in case there are more things out there that I like).

and the list continues . . .

38. Bumble and Bumble products! My favorites are Defrizz and Curl Conscious (the luscious Latina hot mama one) - especially on days like today.
39. Sophie Kinsella Books (even the ones she writes as Madeline Wickham).
40. When it comes to worship - David Crowder, Charlie Hall, Derek Webb, Phil Wickham, and of coarse Jasen Ashdown.

41. Movies that redeem my hope is meaningless fun - Clueless, Napoleon Dynamite, Christmas Vacation, The Waitress, and my newest favorite Juno - I haven't laughed that hard in a long time (well not as much as the two older men in front of us - that was a bit creepy).

Okay that's all for now - but I'm sure it's not the end.

Accidental Omissions and things I forgot

2008-01-02T10:54:00.000-08:00

I made a few omissions on my favorite things list. Some I just forgot and others I left out simply because I figured they were a given (my bad). So here is the ammendment to my list.

31. My best friends in the whole world . . . Kristy, Tanya, Jessica, Gigi, Amy, Mark & Anne.
32. CoffeeBean - how did I forget my bread and butter ( I am loving the winterdream tea latte)
33. The smell of silk - maybe that makes me weird but I love it!
34. BJ's pizookie and nutty brunette
35. Watching the Rose Parade in my pajamas - all day!
36. The color purple (not the movie - the actual color)
37. Seeing my Pondo friends - I got to spend the weekend with Samantha and Natalie Brinson - I adore these girls and we had so much fun with my nieces Hannah and Julia. I love you girls! Oh yeah and you too Brady and Debbie!
My apologies for leaving anyone off of this list or the last one - I still love you.

My favorite things . . .

2007-12-23T12:44:00.000-08:00

This Christmas season has been a bit lonely and depressing - it's been hard to shake the funk.
I'm done shopping and wrapping, partying and reflecting, and still something feels incomplete. So I thought I would make a list of my favorite things in an effort to "not feel so bad".
1. Hannah and Julia - my beautiful nieces that I don't get to see enough.
2. Lazy, rainy days indoors
3. Summer @ Pondo
4. Seatbelt Bags - I just love them!
5. Seeing my oldest and dearest friends Jen & Di (usually only happens a few times a year and I'm really looking forward to seeing them on Christmas).
6. Friday night dinners with my family (or any night for that matter).
7. Movie Popcorn (especially with my mom)
8. My bed with my temperpedic pillow
9. Arcadia food - Tokyo Wako, Carmines, Goldsteins, Taco Lita, and Ace Yogurt
10. The fall season (especially Halloween to New Years)
11. Good TV (and my Tivos - yes I have more than one - baseball takes up a lot of space).
12. LA Dodgers (especially when they win)
13. Good Coffee - that should have been higher up on the list for sure.
14. Getting packages - even when it's just something lame I ordered
15. Barenaked Ladies Live (the band)
16. Spending long uninterupted time with God
17. Hearing the ocean at night when the surf is big
18. Being Clean (my house and myself)
19. Seeing people I miss (Like Jeff and Kristen and Jacob - it was really fun to hang out on Friday - thanks for dinner).
20. The smell of butter cream frosting, rosemary, or the scent of cologne that a friend wears.
21. Sushi
22. My uggs (or any slippers - I like my feet warm)
23. Pedicures
24. Felicity (the best show ever)
25. Snowboarding the day after a storm or wake boarding on the delta
26. Biola
27. Extra peppermint gum (but they changed the color to blue and I don't like it as much as white).
28. Paradise Sugar Cookies when they are hot
29. My amazing - fast - fun car
30. Anything else you've listened to me obsess about and that I forgot to put on this list.
Ahhhhh - Maria was right I do feel better.

an old friend and a new friend!

2007-12-16T13:00:00.000-08:00

Sorry - Christmas has me running in ten different directions and no time to reflect. The past few weeks have been good. Busy but good.

Last Thursday my friend Brady and I spoke at Core (our high school/young adult service). We shared what God is doing in our lives, what he's teaching us, and how we've evolved because of it. It was powerful! and really fun to see how God has used some really bad situations to make something beautiful - in my life and esspecially in Brady's. It was good for my soul. : )

Saturday night we had our youth staff Christmas party which was fun - Ange, Joy, and Dave came too (Dave led us in worship). South Shores and our students blessed me with a new friend. Disclaimer - Britt took this picture and it's totally candid. Isn't she lovely. I named her Ohana (family in Hawaiian) mostly because of the hawaiian print and my church family gave her to me. Enjoy. Ok - you really can't see her in the picture but you can see my stupid grin.

Love Biola . . . hate my birthday!

2007-12-05T17:34:00.000-08:00

My friend Melissa and I taught a Talbot class for Dave on Monday at Biola - which was awkward but good for both of us - I think. It was fun to hang out with Melissa anyway. Jewel (one of my senior girls) came along with me to check out Biola (she loved it!). It was a good time hanging out with Jewel as well.

I love Biola! and this is why - Biola's annual Christmas tree lighting (which was supposed to be on friday - but it rained) was postponed to Monday night and just happened to be right after class and a fun dinner at the Eagle's Nest. I was so excited! The tree lighting is one of my favorite Biola traditions and not only did I get to be a part of it but Jewel did too. (Melissa was there too - but she mostly just made fun of it - she's an APU nerd). They have a very cool ceremony with children singing and they give everyone candles to hold - It was beautiful and Christmasy (I know that's not a word). I loved it. There was free hot chocolate too - but I burned my tongue : ( This isn't the best picture - I was super close - sorry.

My birthday was yesterday - I hate getting older! Enough said.

Jump! and God is goooooooood!

2007-11-26T15:46:00.000-08:00

Last week was my 3rd girls retreat with South Shores and it was amazing! I had begun to think that girls were not capable of a drama -free weekend but thankfully I was wrong. I got to return to my summer home (Pondo) and see some familiar faces that I miss. What a great trip for my girls and for me of learning to take the right kind of risks in order to live a life worthy of the calling we received. Thanks girls!

I also got to see a good friend that I thought I had lost - but like I said God is good and He continues to surprise me by how He uses our pain and suffering for His glory. I am humbled daily by my depravity and my subsequent need for a Savior.

P.S. Charlie Hall is amazing

This is for you Haylee!

2007-11-26T15:36:00.000-08:00

I can't believe you are 12 years old - seems like yesterday you were barfing in the backseat and screaming your head off! You have grown into such a sweet, beautiful girl - I had so much fun hanging out with you - can't wait to see you again.

I'm back and here's some pics

2007-11-14T12:05:00.000-08:00

I had a great time in Idaho with Amy and the Fam - I always do.

Here are some pics - sorry Haylee I haven't downloaded the pictures from my other camera (that's where the pictures of you and Andrew are).

Devin, Jewel, Jen, and I went to see Rob Bell last night at the Wiltern Theatre in LA. It was good and very thought provoking for me and the girls. He always makes you think good and long about your life and how you're living it. Very good for me - Except the excruciatingly long drive in traffic and almost getting hit by an out of control driver that spun out on the freeway.

Good News and I'm going to Idaho

2007-11-08T16:42:00.000-08:00

Good News - my back is finally feeling better! Wahhoooo! (mmm . . . wahoo's that sounds good). After over 6 weeks of Physical Therapy my back is finally responding to treatment. Please keep praying for me though - it's never 100% and I feel like it could reverse at any time - I guess that's something I will always live with.
I'm going to Boise tomorrow to see Amy - my dear sweet friend from high school whom I love! (And Bruce, Haylee, Alyssa, and Andrew - can't forget you guys). I'm so excited to see all of them - it's been too long. After all these years Amy is still one of my favorite people in the world. : ) This picture is from Prom - aren't we hot!!!!! I'll try and post pictures when I am there.

Shout Out to the Skippers!

2007-11-01T13:54:00.000-07:00

I am doing soooooo much better than last week for a couple of reasons . . .

1. Pondo (and Dan and Becky's house) are still standing - Praise God - that was a close one.

2. Because the Skippers were evacuated to Balboa Island (that's rough) I got to have dinner with them on Monday night! These people are continually blessing my life in so many ways. Thanks again Dan, Becky, and Daniel for bringing some much needed joy into my life.

3. God is so good - even in the hardest of times I am able to see His mercy and love. I am blown away by the lessons He's teaching me and those around me.

More Socks!

2007-10-24T19:50:00.000-07:00

As if it could get any worse - Pondo is right in the middle of the fire in Running Springs. I've been stressed all day. It appears that possibly it escaped the fire for now - but it's so close. Pray for Dan and Becky - their house is in Running Springs in the path of the fire and I haven't heard whether or not it's safe. I know so many people affected by these fires. Again I'm in shock at the circumstances that surround me. Craziness.

I know that God is in control of all of it - I'm just having a hard time understanding why it has to happen.

Getting socked in the Gut!

2007-10-22T14:10:00.000-07:00

Let me start by saying - this weekend was hard. Actually this month in general has sucked. Okay as long as I'm being honest the suckiness began the moment I stepped off that plane from Costa Rica.

I feel like I keep getting socked in the gut. Each day more bad news. I'm actually getting used to the sick feeling in my stomach that never really goes away even when I'm watching the Office or admiring my "new friend".

This weekend I was supposed to go to Youth Workers Convention - which I love - but I made a financial decision instead of an emotional decision and didn't go. I should have gone - I really needed it but c'est la vie. I did however go down for the day on Saturday to see Dan, Becky, Lisa, and Kayla - who by the way socked me in the gut but it was inevitable (the silver lining to the dark cloud of a weekend was seeing all of you). I also got to see Melissa, Eric, and Josh - which was good for my soul. (Melissa just seeing your face cheers me up). I came home late Saturday night and did not sleep all night. I had the worst nightmares - my subconscious was dealing with what I hadn't processed yet. (if that makes any sense). I spent Sunday alone in fog trying to make sense of all I was being socked in gut with. Finally I talked to Aaron which gave me a bit of clarity (Aaron you are so good at speaking calm into my life - thanks my friend).

So . . . here I am on Monday morning staring at my computer and breathing in the nasty smoke that has settled over the coast (literally) and waiting for the next sock to the gut.

Rockies Win!!!

2007-10-18T15:31:00.000-07:00

Yes I know I'm a few days late - but life has been crazy.

The Colorado Rockies are going to the World Series and that's fun.

It would have been a million times better if the Dodgers had won but at least it's a NL West team and one that fought it's way to the top.

I visited the Coffeebean today with Devin and my drink was chunky - sad. Maybe it will be better next time.

Sidenote: Dishes are missing from my house mysteriously - hmmmmm! How does that happen???

Say Helloooooo to my new friend . . .

2007-10-04T20:14:00.000-07:00

Isn't she lovely!

She doesn't have a name yet - oh goodness I'm one of those mothers who takes their child home from the hospital without naming it.

Let me know if you have any good ideas.

She's a limited edition #70 out of 250.

If you're thinking I'm a little off - you're probably right - I have a problem - I'm addicted to seatbelt bags.

What - it could be worse.

Finally some good news!

2007-09-27T16:08:00.000-07:00

There are few "things" in the world I love more than CoffeeBean but the closest one is in downtown San Clemente.

Until Now . . . They are putting them in Ralphs stores all over Southern California and they chose the Ralphs @ Ocean Ranch which is super close to Church and not too far from home. I'm so excited I don't know what to do with myself. So I went to visit today (and take pics) and a checker told me the rumor is the CoffeeBean is opening next friday.

Oh happy day!

Life Lessons

2007-09-18T16:51:00.000-07:00

The past few weeks have been hard to say the least. Readjusting to life off the mountain while being confronted with some pretty tough issues has been quite a challenge. I saw a movie this weekend (with my friend Britt who I love!) that I had been dying to see and finally had the chance. The movie was "The Waitress" and for anyone who truly knows me - I am a huge Keri Russell fan (she's Felicity to me). The movie was hilarious - great characters (Kristy you would love it). The movie has some pretty heavy issues (an abusive and creepy husband, getting pregnant with an abusive creepy husbands baby, having an affair with an equally creepy doctor, having no money and no life, etc.) all the while dreaming of a better life making pies. I guess you just have to see it. It spoke volumes to me and the rather dysfunctional life I am living at the moment. Leave it to Felicity!
Pray for me - my back is really bad right now and I'm seeing my doctor tomorrow.

Devin

2007-09-06T17:21:00.000-07:00

This is Devin - one of my senior girls (so weird - seems like yesterday they were jr. highers). We hung out today. This may be the most boring blog entry so far but I love her and wanted to post this amazing picture of both of us. Also - today was the first day in 2 weeks it wasn't blazing hot so I was able to blowdry my hair (hence why I look so amazing).

My sweet sweet girls!

2007-08-30T21:27:00.000-07:00

I got to hang out with my now senior girls all day and tonight at Core.
It was so good to sit and chat and catch up on their dramatic high school lives.
I love it!
They suprised me with a gift - "Jarbie Jo"

I missed our mission trip to mississippi that my girls went on so they got a barbie doll dressed her like me and put her in a jar with my picture on it (hence - Jarbie Jo instead of jibby jo). Cute huh! (kinda weird - but that's all Matt's fault).
They also gave me a picture of all of us from winter retreat. So Cute!

I really missed them and I love Jarbie Jo!
Thanks girls

Back in the Saddle Again . . .

2007-08-29T12:51:00.000-07:00

Truth be told - I'm suffering a little culture shock! Not from Costa Rica but from having to come back to "real" work after such an amazing summer. I've processed what I learned this summer so that I could share that with others, however, I haven't processed the feelings of becoming so close to people in a short amount of time and then being seperated from them. It's been hard - pray for me.
I went to the Padres game (they played Arizona) last night with Tom and Tanya - which was fun - but I was rooting for both teams to lose (which I know is impossible) but the Dodgers are battling both these teams for the post season.
well - the d-backs lost - like anyone reading this cares. oh well.

Costa Rica (the real deal)

2007-08-26T08:32:00.000-07:00

Ok - I'm sitting at my desk at church for the first time in 3 months - weird.
Here's the official Costa Rica replay.
First things first - it's really hot and stupid humid - wow! But absolutely beautiful. I am now convinced that no other resort holds a candle to the four seasons. It was the most amazing experience of luxury - I am so blessed (spoiled-whatever). This is a shot of the jungle with our suite in the middle of it.

We had our own covered patio, table and lounge chairs - we could see and hear monkeys and racoons. (the monkeys sound like bears by the way.)
On the way from the airport to the hotel a computer came flying out of the overhead and hit me in the head which caused a slight concusion and made me nauseaed for a few days but I'm okay now.
The days were mostly sunny with thunderstorms in the afternoon and evening. It was nice to see rain after the dry winter we just had. My favorite parts of the trip were sitting by the pool, the massage I got at the spa, and of course the zipline (Aaron - yours is way better):)
It was an amazing trip - lots of fun!
I miss Pondo (still can't talk about it).

The last picture is of a Rodeo we went to - interesting stuff.

costa rica

2007-08-25T09:34:00.000-07:00

I'm back from costa rica - which was amazing! (thanks again mom and dad).
Still struggling with some computer connection glitches caused by my camp Internet connection so you'll have to wait until tomorrow for my official costa rica post. Tomorrow is my first day back at church in 3 monthes so i guess that means the end of my summer vacation. So sad!

One mountain to another

2007-08-14T10:15:00.000-07:00

So I left Pondo (so sad i can't talk about it yet) to go to another mountain.
I'm spending the week with my family in June Lake. It's beautiful here and it's been nice to just relax and spend time with those I love.

Pondo 10.4

2007-08-09T14:59:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is sadly my last day at Pondo!
Never in my life did 10 weeks go by that fast.
I'm sad it's over (probably the best summer of my life so far) but it's bitter sweet because I am done living in a trailor and sharing a bathroom with 8 girls, doing afternoon rec (especially the relay), and don't get me started on the food!
Looking back on the summer - I am so glad I did this!
Life is too short not to take advantage of opportunities to grow and change.
Highlights of the summer . . .
1. Meeting some amazing people - Nikki, Brooklyn, Kaylee, Daniel, Kayla, Ashley (just to name a few of my favorites)
2. Hanging out with some of my favorite people (who I now know and love even more) - Dan, Becky, Aaron, Brady, Debbie, Lisa, Angie, Tori, JG, and Dave.
3. Breathing fresh air, soaking up sun, and starry nights
4. Monday morning each week as the campers arrive (I love the excitement and newness of camp).
5. Thursday night walks under the stars

Thanks to everyone at Pondo for the most amazing summer!
I love this place and can't wait to come back and visit!

Good Things come to those who save!

2007-08-08T23:08:00.000-07:00

The minute I saw the keynote on mac.com I started saving . . . and now she's mine!
To my friend Eric - Mac made a killing on us this week.

Pondo 9.5

2007-08-03T23:38:00.000-07:00

This week was tough.
It was hard to get back into our normal summer routine after campfire and juniors week.
There was a chance of thunderstorms this week and I found myself praying it would rain during afternoon rec (one of my least favorite things).
However, God is good and uses our weaknesses to show how powerful He is. I think He spoke to me more this week than any other week this summer. Sean McDowell spoke and I wasn't all that excited about hearing his talks for the second time but God used used him to teach me some much needed lessons and now I'm left to process it all.
We also finished Velvet Elvis and our discussions on it - which have been really good. I am learning so much from Rob Bell this summer.
So here I am on Friday night still at Pondo - very tired but still absolutely loving this place and this whole experience. We packed Aaron and Rachel's house up this afternoon which was sad and made me all the more glad I chose this summer to be here and have the chance to hang out with them.
One more week!

Dinner Party for 9

2007-07-30T19:38:00.000-07:00

Okay I know I'm breaking the rules a bit but I thought of two others I would like to include and since I wouldn't want to be rude and rescind my previous invite, I will include two more.
Since it can be anyone dead or alive I would like to invite my future husband (smart huh!).
The second person would have to be my bestest friend in the world Tanya! The first reason is that I haven't mentioned her in my blog yet and she was getting a litte perturbed. The second reason is - duh - we live together and it would be rude to have a dinner party in our house and not invite her. heeheehee - I love you Tanya.

Dinner for 6 (well 7 including me)

2007-07-30T10:43:00.000-07:00

Eric this is for you pal!
So on Eric's blog he created a dinner party for 6 (hypothetical) including the 6 people dead or alive that he would like to invite.
Here is my list . . .
Disclaimer - This isn't a perfectly thought out list - I have very little time so it's a list I spent a few minutes thinking about.

1. Jesus
Eric didn't include Jesus because he said He was a given. I disagree - but then again I'm more spiritual than Eric.
2. Ed Robertson of the Barenaked Ladies.
Besides being extremely good looking he is the funniest guy ever and he can sing. Oh yeah and he can white boy rap which is huge in my book.
3. St. Francis of Assisi
I read Chasing Francis this year and really connected with his perspectives on God and life and would love to sit and talk with him more.
4. Nomar Garciaparra
Everybody knows I'm a Dodger fan and while Nomar isn't my top favorite, he is an interesting guy, a great athlete and he'd probably bring his wife who happens to be the greatest female soccer player of all time (Mia Hamm).

5. Donald Miller
I love his bold take on Faith and I know he would shake things up a bit.
6. Kelly Ripa
She's hilarious, she would probably bring her hot husband (Mark Consuelos) and hey we need more girls at this party. : )

Okay so there's the list - it's missing a political figure but the only person I would really like to have there would be JFK and it's not for his political views - I just really want to know if his death was a conspiracy.

Thoughts anyone?

Pondo 9.1 (almost)

2007-07-29T23:52:00.000-07:00

Well I survived Juniors week (barely).
Can you even image 230+ little kids running crazy all week.
Hannah, Julia and Arianna were here which was so much fun!
Everywhere I went someone was yelling "hi Jojo!" whether it was one of my nieces or a girl in their cabin or someone else they had met at camp and told them I was their aunt.
It was really fun.
Here is a picture . . .

2 more weeks and it's back to real life . . . It's gone by so fast - I really want to savor my last moments here and really enjoy the next 2 weeks.
This week is a combo week - yeah more jr. highers.

I'm back after a much needed week of rest

2007-07-22T22:51:00.000-07:00

This past week a private group was at Pondo so most of us got the week off - which was wonderful.
I was able to see friends and family, sleep, eat good food, get things done, and most of all watch lots and lots of baseball.
Speaking of which - I went to the Dodgers game on Thursday with some friends from Pondo and we had a great time - even though they got killed. oh well you can't win them all.
Here are some great pics . . .

Ange, Joy, and Dave

Joy, Ange, and me

Aaron & Hannah

Jason

Hannah

Tomorrow we get juniors and a whole lot of them - not sure I'm ready. Hannah and Julia are coming - yeah!

correction

2007-07-22T22:49:00.000-07:00

I have to start by apologizing to Dave Rynk - Ange, Dave and I love Sumatra and not just Ange and I.
Sorry Dave (I took a lot of crap for that one).
Love you!

Sumatra is my hero!

2007-07-12T19:20:00.000-07:00

Jasen and Amanda sent me a pound of sumatra a few weeks ago (with a cute little joke about me being an asian lover) and Ange and I fell in love with the stuff.
We drink it every morning and every night - we are brewing a pot right now and it smells heavenly.
Thanks J&A for contributing to my addiction.

Kassie week! Pondo 6.4

2007-07-12T15:46:00.000-07:00

Kassie is here this week with her friend Sydney (who is super cool).
I had such a great time hanging out with them - esspecially during church time last night.
Pondo is so much more fun when people come visit me (hint,hint,hint).
Joy sent me a package of goodies which made my day! She's still my only friend who loves me aparently. : )
It's Thursday again and another week is almost over and done - this summer is flying by.
Here is a picture of Kassie and Sydney. So cute.

Pondo 6.1 (almost)

2007-07-08T21:59:00.000-07:00

I can't believe I've been here for five weeks - it hardly seems possible.
I'm getting better at driving the mountain roads and having a lot of fun doing it.
It's Sunday night and I am gearing up for another week - this one is high school and Kassie is coming - yeah - I can't wait to see her.
A couple of observations . . .

First, my favorite time of each week is Thursday night (it's bitter sweet because another week done means I'm that much closer to leaving for good). I do the zipline on Thursday night with Angie and then we put out fires and head to the tent for team scores, the video, and to hand out championship shirts. I leave towards the end of the video to walk up the lodge to pass out pizza. That walk from the tent to the lodge across the grass field underneath the starry sky is my favorite. It's quiet and chilly and so peaceful - maybe because the week is almost done and I can be thankful for how much God has blessed me. I don't know but it's those walks that I will remember long after I'm gone.

Second, Friday morning we meet to talk about the week and share stories. We also play "Spin the Bottle" only we hug instead of kissing (obviously). It was a really hot week and some of us were really sweaty. A lot of sweat swapping going on at Pondo this week. Sick.

That's it!

Shout out to Dana Dill

2007-07-02T17:37:00.000-07:00

South Shores Jr. High was here last week and I had such a good time hanging out with them.
I am so proud of Dana - he is my favorite person right now : )
He is always a joy to be around - so much fun! He loves God and he loves our students and you can see it in everything he says and does. What a blessing and example he is to me.
I hope he never realizes how amazing he is because I'm convinced that's what makes him so amazing (if that makes any sense to anyone).
I love you Dana - thanks for all you did to make me feel special last week - it was really fun having you here.
PS - I had a great picture to share with all of you but I'm not sure what happened to it. here it is. You can see Dana's hat and some of my hair - beautiful picture.

Curious Jo

2007-07-02T17:18:00.000-07:00

Soooooo . . . it's week 5 (week 3 with students) and you'd think I'd be getting the hang of things but no.
Thursday night Angie and I work the zipline and due to Angie's fear of heights - I work the top zip tower (which I actually prefer). We ran to the store around 7:30 just as students were moving into the tent and apparently just missed a huge brown bear in the middle of camp. It was hanging around the infirmary and they chased it up the zipline path past the tower. We returned from the store and heard the whole story which totally freaked me out (especially since I was working the zipline that night). Around 9 we headed up to cabin 6 to turn on the breaker switch to the spotlight that lights up the zipline and all of camp. I then headed over to the tower - but I noticed a switch on the tree that I'd never seen before. My curiousity got the best of me and I flipped the switch - which of course as you guessed it turned off the lights to the zip tower. I immediately realized my stupidity and could hear Aaron's words in the back of my mind "Don't flip the switch to the lights at the tree" oh well - too late. I was in complete darkness and started to panic - that bear cannot be far from here. I called to Angie to flip the breaker switch which she did and proceeded to turn out all the lights in lower camp. What a mess. The light takes 15 minutes to warm up so as students came out of the tent they were in complete darkness and tripping over stuff. Needless to say I felt pretty stupid.
Alanis is so right - you live you learn.

Pondo pics - Finally

2007-06-25T18:58:00.000-07:00

These pictures are from our first week with students.

Angie's Birthday party!

my new "friend"

2007-06-24T22:36:00.000-07:00

Hello . . . summer lover
No one will care about this post except my seatbelt girlfriends (sorry Mark I've bored you again)
This is the new addition to my collection - she's beautiful ain't she?
I took a bunch of pictures of camp last week but I've yet to download them to my computer.
Maybe tomorrow (sorry Jasen)
My students are going to be here this week and Tanya will be here too with her Church. I am so excited.

Pondo 3.3 (week 3 day 3)

2007-06-20T21:14:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was one of the toughest days of my life - I am being challenged in ways I never thought I would be.
Looking back on it with a days perspective I feel wiser and stronger having been pushed outside my comfort zone.
Setting up for afternoon rec was complete chaos. Trying to figure out the best way to set up the relay and water kickball was a challenge in itself but add to that the pressure of organizing 100 kids and leaders who are screaming at the top of their lungs for their team. (Jasen and Amanda - you are probably laughing at me right now).
It was nuts - but it worked out and today was soooooooo much easier.
I had to work the top of the zipline last night which scared me to death (the fear of letting go of a kid and having them fall off the platform). But it was really fun and I get to work it again tomorrow night.
This week has been so draining emotionally and physically but God is so good and is blessing me so much.
Aaron, Ange and I went to sushi tonight for Ange's birthday (I have wednesday nights off after dinner).
It was so great to eat good food and have great conversation.
Happy Birthday to Ange and Joy!
I will post more pictures tomorrow.

Week 3 day 1

2007-06-18T12:52:00.000-07:00

AAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!
Kids have started to arrive - and I am offically freaked out!
When I left on Friday this place was far from ready to go but it's coming together just like Dan promised.
He described it like Extreme Makeover home edition - there are weeks you think there is no way they are going to finish and then it's reveal time and they did it.
We still don't have doors on the tent and no idea how long till we do but everything else is ready.
Good news for me - the guy who was going to do lifeguarding with Angie all summer didn't pass the test so he'll be doing the zipline and I get to sit in the craft tent - good times.

Today is Hannah's 10th B-day & Someone stole my granola

2007-06-13T16:37:00.000-07:00

My beautiful niece Hannah is turning 10 today - Happy Birthday Sweetie.
I can't believe it was ten years ago I held her in my arms for the first time - wow time flies.
Hannah - You are so pretty and so much fun to be with. I love you and I'll see you Friday.

Dawnielle introduced me to this great place called Karma Juice where Bree works (hi Bree!). They have the best sweet granola ever! So I bought a big bag before I left for Pondo so I would have enough for at least a few weeks.
I left it in the kitchen over night and SOMEONE STOLE IT! or threw it away I'm not sure.
But my yogurt was sad and runny without it.

Week 2

2007-06-12T22:03:00.000-07:00

Week 1 - we basically just cleaned stuff, set up camp, and got to know each other.
It was a lot of work - the first day I mowed the entire grass field! (okay - it was a john deere and kind of fun but still wore me out).
Week 2 - this week we are working with our program team and planning games, decorating the tent, and getting ready for our first week with students - next week - crazy!
Tonight Ange and I went to Arrowhead and had dinner it was gooooood and healthy - I'm rotting from all the delicious camp food.
These past two weeks have been such a blessing - it's so refreshing to be in a new place, working with people I don't know and figuring out how to do camp together. The best part has been the conversations with people - getting to know them and how God is working in their lives. I'm learning so much.
I can't wait for next week!
please keep praying for me and my time here!

I gave up that . . . for this!

2007-06-12T21:56:00.000-07:00

So as most of you know I left the beach to work at Pondo for the summer.
Kind of a crazy decision that totally makes sense and has been totally blessed by God.
It has been a dream of mine to work at a camp for the summer and well - better late than never.